Costco moved into our area a year or 2 ago. We have never had a membership because we don’t usually buy in bulk and we use coupons. Aaron loves to cut coupons & price match, so we save lots of money each week at the grocery store. I love walking out with the receipt saying we saved $50+ in coupons!
Last week I found out that I needed new tires on the van. I had a quote from the dealership and wanted to get some prices from other local stores. Costco ended up being the least expensive, even after we purchased the membership ($50). I brought the van in and decided to browse the store while my tires were being changed. That left me approximately 1.5 hours to walk around the store with my mouth hanging open. Needless to say, I am not sure that we actually saved any money by purchasing our tires at Costco because I believe I spent what we would have saved on groceries.
What did I find? Perhaps a better question would be what didn’t I find. I didn’t even make it to the non-grocery side of the store. Sigh. I think I have a problem.
First, one of the things I liked best about Costco was their labeling. Kirkland Signature brand Loratidine (Claritin) was clearly labeled “gluten-free” and was $12.65 for 365 pills. Folks, that is one year! I stood there and read the label & sign over & over again because I was certain that I couldn’t be seeing or processing things correctly. The cheapest place I have previously found generic Claritin was Walmart and they charge $4.99 for a 30-day supply. Not only did I buy one for myself, but I called my mom to see if she needed any! Most of the Kirkland Signature brand medicines and vitamins were very clearly labeled “gluten-free”. I love when companies make my life easier.
Onto the food. While I never did find the organic or gluten-free department that the membership guy claimed they had, I did find plenty of gluten-free products throughout the store. I picked up a rotisserie chicken that said “gluten-free” on the label. It was only $4.99 and was very moist & flavorful. Maranatha Almond Butter was less per ounce than the Trader Joe’s I had been buying; the produce was priced well, as were the meats & cheeses. I can see spending a lot of time at Costco in the future. A couple of products that I have to spotlight before I run….
Naked Nuggets were spotted in the freezer! We loved the Naked Nuggets and will be buying some again very soon. I also found these products when searching “gluten-free” on Costco online.
Okay, are you ready for one of my favorite deals? Check out the size of this jar of Vlasic Pickles – $3.69 for this (put a Blackberry in for size reference):
See why I have a problem? Funny thing is that these pickles will be gone in no time, as Jon has developed an obsession with them lately.
Do you have a Costco close by? Do you shop there?
